By: Mpho Shelile
Maseru – Meet Retšepile Kaphe Kotoane, a vibrant fashion designer and proud owner of MamaGinger’s Creatives Home and Deco.
It is a rising fashion brand known for its trendy, African-inspired pieces. Her journey into the fashion business is a story of resilience, opportunity, and transformation. From experiencing the challenges of employment in Lesotho’s fashion industry to building her own business, Retšepile’s journey is a powerful example of turning obstacles into stepping stones.
The primary inspiration for starting her business was the scarcity of job opportunities. “It was frustrating to sit at home and not have any employment options,” she says. “I had to find a way to create something for myself.” Faced with a tough labour market, she knew that building a business was not just an option but a necessity to secure her financial future.
Her introduction to the world of fashion was sparked by an encounter with a Kenyan mentor. “I met a Kenyan lady who taught me the basics of fashion design,” she recalls. “She was patient and believed in my potential, even when I doubted myself.” With time, she developed the skills required to create well-crafted cushions, laying the foundation for her entrepreneurial ambitions.
Soon after graduating, she secured employment at one of Lesotho’s many clothing factories. But the experience, she says, was far from what she expected.
“Working at the factory was not one of my best decisions,” she says, reflecting on the harsh realities of the industry. According to Retšepile, the factory environment was toxic, with long hours, poor treatment, and minimal creative freedom. “It felt like my passion was being drained away,” she explains. After some time, she decided that continuing in such an environment would only hinder her growth.
Rather than settling for an unfulfilling job, she made the bold decision to quit. “Leaving was scary, but I knew I had to do it if I wanted to pursue my dreams.”
Determined to take control of her career began with a sewing machine birthday present from her husband, who used to work as a carpenter at that time. She launched her brand, MamaGinger.
The name reflects her bold spirit and her desire to offer too much style and too much originality to her clients. Her designs are a blend of modern fashion and African influences, celebrating the beauty of Basotho culture while appealing to a broader audience.
Despite the initial challenges of establishing a business, such as securing start-up capital and building a client base, she remained focused. “The beginning was tough,” she admits, “but I knew this was my calling.” She started small, designing custom cushions for friends and family. As word spread about her quality and unique designs, her customer base grew.
Today, MamaGinger is more than just a fashion brand, it is a platform for self-expression and empowerment. MamaGinger is intentional about creating cushions that make people feel stylish about their places. She is also passionate about mentoring other young women, especially those looking to start their own businesses. “I want to inspire others the way my mentor inspired me,” she says.
Beyond her personal ambitions, MamaGinger hopes to contribute to reducing Lesotho’s unemployment rate by creating job opportunities through her business. “One day, I want to open a fashion school to teach young people design and entrepreneurship,” she shares with enthusiasm.
Running a business in Lesotho comes with its fair share of challenges, such as limited access to raw materials and financial constraints. However, MamaGinger believes that passion and persistence are essential. “Challenges will always be there, but you need to stay committed to your vision,” she advises.
MamaGinger’s story is one of courage and determination, a journey that started in a toxic work environment but blossomed into a thriving business. Her ability to turn her challenges into opportunities serves as an inspiration to many aspiring entrepreneurs.
Through MamaGinger, Retšepile not only celebrates her passion for fashion but also demonstrates the power of entrepreneurship in addressing unemployment and driving economic development in Lesotho.
Retšepile’s journey reminds us that success is often born out of struggle, and with the right mindset, anyone can transform their challenges into triumphs. As she puts it, “Don’t be afraid to walk away from what doesn’t serve you, your dreams are waiting on the other side.”